Dario Salvi

Led by MP Parvaneh Salahshouri, Majlis members appealed to the head of the judiciary to demand an end to arbitrary arrests and convictions. Among the recent convictions are reporter Marzieh Amiri and trade unionist Atefeh Rangriz. In Article 27 the Iranian Constitution enshrines civil and speech freedoms.

Deforestation is a serious, ongoing problem in the Islamic Republic. Between 1900 and 2012 the country’s forested area dropped from 19 million acres to 14.4 million. By 2015 the acreage was down to 10.7 million. For experts, Iran might not have any forest left 100 years from now. Both hardliners and pro-reform camps are committed to the environment, but sanctions and corruption have hampered action.

A report by the Syrian Network for Human Rights blames the Syrian regime for 61 per cent of attacks on churches. Between March 2011 and September 2019, 124 places of worship were hit. For Bishop Audo, the issue is "complicated and delicate", one that requires "extreme care". Both sides are exploiting the issues.

The Turkish president talks about reopening the migration routes if more aid is not provided at an international level. The project is to create a buffer zone in the northeast; the real goal is to weaken the Kurdish component. AsiaNews source: Syrians are fleeing back across the border and the offensive on Idlib is worrying. The emergency demands an international commitment is needed.

​The episcopal college welcomed the decision of the Lebanese authorities and launched an appeal against involvement in a "proxy war". In a context of "serious economic urgency" bishops call on executive to "avoid new taxes". Necessary structural reforms and reduction in waste.

Today is the liturgical memory of the woman who dedicated her life to the poorest of the poor. Pope Francis elected her patron saint of voluntary work. A solemn mass celebrated in the Generalate of the Missionaries of Charity. Monsignor D’Souza: "Like Mother Teresa, we recognize the face of Jesus in the least of our brothers and sisters".

US State Department offers Indian Akhilesh Kumar millions of dollars to deliver the vessel to an allied port. Faced with a refusal, the decision to include him on the black list of people subject to sanctions. Tehran ready to abandon all limits to nuclear research and development.

Entitled "The Peace Visit", it retraces the highlights of the Gulf trip. Divided into three parts, the feature shows the preparatory work, the meetings and the implications on the population and local institutions. An event that is part of the initiatives for the Year of Tolerance.

The measure concerns the Iranian Space Agency, the Space Research Center and the Institute for Astronomical Research. For Washington, the (failed) launch attempt on August 29 shows "the urgency of the threat". Tehran ready to re-enter the nuclear agreement in exchange for 15 billion, as per French proposal.

In a letter appealing to the institutions and the civilian population the cardinal hopes for a courageous political dialogue to overcome crisis and difficulties. The dangers of a US-Iran conflict that will cause "ruin, destruction and fragmentation". Muslim government and authorities must encourage and preserve the Christian presence.

At least 13 people detained, part of a group of 28 activists who have published two open letters in recent months. At the moment there is no information on their fate or charges. For the authorities they are "troublemakers" at the service of foreign "groups" operating against the state.

The project, which aims to improve the education system and ensure quality education for students, covers boys and girls in kindergarten (aged 4 and 5), and the first three grades of primary school (aged 6 to 8). Classes remain segregated along gender lines. The kingdom will also appoint its first 50 female public prosecution investigators.